Saucer Smear - Vol 25 No 08 - 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER GROAN
Issue: Vol. 25, No. 8
Date: June 15th, 1978
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER GROAN, the official publication of the SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY, dated June 15, 1978, is a non-scheduled newsletter. The cover features the tagline "MAY THE FARCE BE WITH YOU".

Miscellany and Personal Updates

The "MISC. RAVINGS, ONCE AGAIN:" section begins with news that non-subscriber John J. Robinson of Jersey City, N.J., has been hospitalized with a possibly serious condition. Friends are encouraged to contact him at Christ Hospital or by telephone. The editor, James W. Moseley, also reports on his appearance on the Candy Jones radio show on WMCA in New York, where he discussed a prediction made by English astrologer Frederick Davies concerning financial aspects, which had accurately reflected the editor's stock market investments.

The newsletter addresses a common question about its volume numbering, explaining that the numbers date back to the original SAUCER NEWS (initially 'Nexus') which began in 1954. Thus, Volume 25 in 1978 is consistent with one volume per year.

The "Special Groan Award" for this issue is given to the U.S. Government for its handling of postal rate increases, specifically the shortage of fifteen-cent stamps.

New Publications and UFO Projects

SAUCER GROAN Headquarters has received "Just Cause," a new UFO zine edited by Todd Zechel, which is described as the official newsletter of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS). Other associated individuals mentioned are lawyer Peter Gersten and UFO figure Brad Sparks. The zine discusses the lawsuit against the CIA and recent military UFO sightings. Zechel's address is listed as "Just Cause", 191 East 161st St., Bronx, N.Y. 10451.

Todd Zechel is also mentioned favorably in a "TV Guide" article regarding his battle with the CIA. He is reportedly working on a UFO book, though his past financial dealings with the editor are alluded to.

Another individual working on a UFO book is Yonah ibn Aharon, also known as Yonah Fortner. In the late 1950s, he wrote a series for the old SAUCER NEWS titled "Extraterrestrialism as an Historical Doctrine," which is described as a little-known classic in UFO literature.

UFO Sightings and Controversy

The newsletter notes a headline story in the June 5th edition of the New York Post about UFO sightings over Brooklyn and Queens, N.Y., describing a star-like object. While acknowledging it as the first local mention of UFOs in some time, the editor downplays its significance.

Missives from the Masses

Dave Schroth, a new non-subscriber, submits trivia for consideration. He poses a question to Dr. Leon Davidson regarding his 1961 opinion that the 1952 'Utah UFO film' was a 'clever job of faking', and asks for his response to claims that computer-enhanced photo analysis has revealed the film to be genuine.

Schroth also presents two statements from Dr. J. Allen Hynek, described as 'the world's leading expert on UFOs'. The first statement notes that Moonwatch stations received reports of strange lights that were not satellites, often from amateur astronomers. The second statement, quoted by Edward J. Ruppelt, asserts that Moonwatch teams never reported sightings with characteristics different from satellites, meteors, or suspected planes. Schroth questions Hynek's credibility based on these statements.

Dr. Thornton Page of NASA writes a brief note, referencing "Saucer Clone" and expressing a desire for clearer vision and "saucerity clarity."

Jim Maney writes about the increase in postage rates.

UFO Researcher Jennings Frederick

Jennings Frederick of Fairmont, West Virginia, offers a philosophical quote: "He who knows not why he knows not, knows nothing; but he who knows why he knows not, knows all about himself."

Non-subscriber Jim Harris

Jim Harris praises the issue "Saucer Clone, Saucer Clone" and asks a question about the hollow Earth theory and polar entrances. He also informs readers that the next issue will be a month late, coming in July instead of June. He humorously asks for "cue cards" and references Hynek's intense gaze in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'.

Jerome Eden and Countrywide Publications

Jerome Eden, editor-publisher of the 'Eden Bulletin', sends a press release regarding an out-of-court settlement with Countrywide Publications, Inc. (publishers of 'Official UFO' and 'Ancient Astronauts'). Eden had charged that Countrywide wrongfully republished two of his articles, "The Scientist Who Disabled UFOs" and "UFOs and Weather Chaos," in the April 1978 issue of 'Close Encounters magazine,' causing him embarrassment and ridicule. Countrywide Publications agreed to publish a "Notice of Apology" in a forthcoming issue of its magazine. The release notes that Jerome Eden is a proponent of Dr. Wilhelm Reich's research and publishes the 'Eden Bulletin' based on it.

Bob Tarte

Bob Tarte thanks the editor for "Saucer Clone, Saucer Clone" and mentions preparing for his Master's Degree in English. He notes the hermetically sealed plastic packaging of Hynek's 'International UFO Reporter', comparing it to 'Hustler' magazine. He recalls an advertisement from a May 1958 issue of Ray Palmer's 'Flying Saucers' for an organization called 'Ground Saucer Watch' in Cleveland, Ohio, which operated a skywatch tower.

Tarte also comments on the growing interest in UFOs as a religious manifestation, noting articles in major journals. He finds the interpretation of 'Close Encounters' as a substitute for traditional worship interesting but not fully convincing. He suggests that as 'nuts and bolts' explanations face challenges, the religious manifestation thesis and 'parallel universe' notions are gaining popularity, though he finds the overall subject matter complex.

Janice Croy

Janice Croy writes that UFOSN is no more and has been replaced by 'Twilight Zone Fanzine'. She explains this change was due to "back-stabbing" within the club she started and a desire to expand the scope to include topics like 'Star Wars' and Bigfoot. She believes 'Star Wars' and UFOs are linked, potentially representing humanity's future. She asks readers to send in UFO reports.

Gary Buell

Gary Buell, a non-subscriber, requests to remain on the mailing list. He expresses fascination with Richard Heiden's letter about the Adamski cult and discusses the concept of "deprogramming," questioning its definition and fairness. He also critiques magazines edited by Jeff Goodman, calling them "bad" and comparing Goodman unfavorably to the editor, Jim Moseley.

Buell notes his appearance in a photo in Gene Duplantier's 'Ufolk' from the S.F. convention.

Committee to REBUKE UNCOUTH DESPOTS

A letter from Martin Ostreicher, Director of the "Committee to REBUKE UNCOUTH DESPOTS", addressed to James W. Moseley, demands that Moseley cease and desist from "bandying about the C.R.U.D. name in an undignified manner" through his publication. Ostreicher claims ownership of the copyright, trademark, and patent to C.R.U.D. and states he has heard Moseley on the radio, adding, "I would not want you to meet me in a dark alley."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently features a skeptical yet engaged tone, questioning official narratives and exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon, from alleged sightings and research to cultural interpretations and the business of UFO publications. The editor, James W. Moseley, appears to maintain a critical stance towards government actions and sensationalism, while also engaging with a diverse range of reader contributions and opinions. There's a recurring theme of questioning authority and established explanations, whether it's the government, scientific experts, or even fellow UFO researchers. The publication also highlights the personal aspects of the UFO community, including friendships, health concerns, and the challenges of running a newsletter.

The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, critical analysis, and a touch of wry humor, as exemplified by the cover tagline and the "Special Groan Award." The newsletter serves as a platform for a variety of voices within the UFO subculture, from believers to skeptics and those in between.